Thoughts of sports players kneeling for the National Anthem?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:53:35 -0400

Just wanting to see what other military members, whether active or veteran, think about the players kneeling

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 18 at 2020 1:55 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:55:32 -0400

From my perspective if teams/franchises/leagues allow it, I am done with them.
Yep it’s their right.
In my opinion, so am I.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 2:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:02:25 -0400

I don't like it. I don't agree with it. But it's their right.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 2:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:16:32 -0400

They have every right to kneel for the national anthem because we live in a constitutionally protected republic that secures their right to do so. I don't agree with it, but I absolutely support their right to do it. If I didn't, everything we did and everything we said while in our country's service counted for nothing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 2:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:26:54 -0400

They're utilizing their First Amendment right - which we took an oath to support and defend. I really don't give a crap because my oath is not to a flag and not to a song. They are not disrespecting anyone who is serving or has served when they do this. It's peaceful protesting. They do it at that time because it's a high profile moment.

I think a lot of the outrage is faux outrage honestly.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 18 at 2020 6:01 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:01:59 -0400

I spend money on entertainment because I want, for a short time, to be free of cares. If some celebrity wants to be an activist, they can do it on their time. I don't care whether I agree with their political position or not. STFU and play ball, or give me a refund on my way out the door.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 18 at 2020 7:16 PM

SFC Marc W. — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:16:50 -0400

I could not care less. It's attention seeking behavior.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Aug 18 at 2020 10:40 PM

SSG Dennis R. — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 22:40:11 -0400

It's a peaceful protest. Not just a Right, but an American tradition. Given the opportunity, I'll take a knee with them. We all took an oath so many years ago that protects those Rights. Has yours expired?
Where are the protests against Nazis and racists marching in our streets? When is the last time somebody hosed down a KKK rally?
I'm the guy who used to yell "Play Ball!" in the post theater after the Anthem was played.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Aug 19 at 2020 9:06 AM

MSG Felipe De Leon Brown — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 09:06:48 -0400

We members of the military took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. To me, this means every right that the Constitution lists and that includes Freedom of Expression. The athletes' choice to kneel during the National Anthem is not a show of disdain for the Flag but rather a show of SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE SYSTEMIC RACISM that has permeated our nation since 1619.
The outrage comes from people who only cherry pick those portions of the Bill of Rights that suit their purposes (e.g., the 1st and 2nd Amendments) which they often use to justify their disdain for the Spirit of the Laws and responsible behavior. (e.g., the flagrant open carry of assault weapons and Nazi flags)
I took an Oath to protect the rights of every person who lives here but I have serious issues about the choice to abuse those rights and that includes someone using racist and other offensive terms while saying it is their "1st Amendment Right". My Oath of Enlistment has no expiration date.
We all have rights and we all should be able to enjoy living in a nation where those rights are protected but, we should always try to remember to not use OUR rights to abuse or threaten others.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 19 at 2020 9:09 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 09:09:37 -0400

Personally I think it isn't the best way to get their message out. I disagree with their methods but the 1st Amendment gives them the right to free speech regardless if I agree with what they are saying.

Response by Sgt James S. made Aug 20 at 2020 1:01 AM

Sgt James S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 01:01:31 -0400

They have the right to be disrespectful jackasses. We have the right to call them out for it.

Professional sports teams are being paid to play a game, not engage in protests (regardless of cause) on the clock. The only thing fans can do is voice their displeasure at the shenanigans and boycott the team/league.

Kneeling for the National Anthem is a sign of disrespect to the nation and to those who serve--nothing else. If you have a beef with a police department, then by all means go stage a peaceful protest outside that department, talk to your elected officials, start a petition for the changes you want to see happen...none of that involves disrespecting the country or people who have zero connection to your alleged grievance.

Response by 1SG Robert Torres made Sep 23 at 2022 7:22 PM

1SG Robert Torres — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:22:51 -0400

They have that right. That’s what we are fighting for, supposedly.

Response by SCPO Lloyd Sikes made Sep 26 at 2022 12:56 PM

SCPO Lloyd Sikes — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 12:56:33 -0400

well, I had 2 things come to mind: both being a little on the illegal side. Ship them to the country of their choice and bar them from returning; the other being "out behind the barn" style of learning.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 24 at 2022 1:27 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 13:27:13 -0500

If you are willing to fight, and possibly die, for the country in whose military you enlisted, then why protest it? If it's that bad, why serve it? Why not go find a "better" country and serve in the military service of that one? (Maybe you won't feel the need to disrespect its symbols.)

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 24 at 2022 1:29 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 13:29:21 -0500

Here's the thing.

We put on the uniform, and swear the oaths, because we have a certain feeling about the country in whose military we wish to serve. It just seems like disrespecting the symbols of this country, under those circumstances, seems to be a bit ... umm ... contradictory.

Response by SPC David C. made Jan 1 at 2024 10:41 PM

SPC David C. — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 22:41:31 -0500

Fuck them. Yeah, it's their right to do so. It's also my right to not watch professional sports, support them, or whatever bullshit cause they're pissing and moaning about this week.